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At least 631 records · Page 35

The influence of cobalt, tantalum, and tungsten on the microstructure of single crystal nickel-base superalloys

The influence of composition on the microstructure of single crystal nickel-base superalloys was investigated. Co was replaced by Ni, and Ta was replaced by either Ni or W, according to a matrix of compositions based on MAR-M247. Substitution of Ni for Co caused an increase in gamma-prime solvus temperature, an increase in gamma-gamma-prime lattice mismatch, and the precipitation of W-rich phases in the alloys with high refractory metal levels. Substitution of Ni for Ta caused large decreases in gamma-prime solvus temperature, gamma-prime volume fraction, and gamma-gamma-prime lattice mismatch, whereas substitution of W for Ta resulted in smaller decreases in these features. For the alloys with gamma-prime particles that remained coherent, substitution of Ni for Co caused an increase in gamma-prime coarsening rate. The two alloys with the largest magnitude of lattice mismatch possessed gamma-prime particles which lost coherency during unstressed aging and exhibited anomalously low coarsening rates. Creep exposure at 1000 C resulted in the formation of gamma-prime lamellae oriented perpendicular to the applied stress axis in all alloys.

Nathal, M. V.↗

Polyurea-Based Aerogel Monoliths and Composites

aerogel insulation material was developed that will provide superior thermal insulation and inherent radiation protection for government and commercial applications. The rubbery polyureabased aerogel exhibits little dustiness, good flexibility and toughness, and durability typical of the parent polyurea polymer, yet with the low density and superior insulation properties associated with aerogels. The thermal conductivity values of polyurea-based aerogels at lower temperature under vacuum pressures are very low and better than that of silica aerogels. Flexible, rubbery polyurea-based aerogels are able to overcome the weak and brittle nature of conventional inorganic and organic aerogels, including polyisocyanurate aerogels, which are generally prepared with the one similar component to polyurethane rubber aerogels. Additionally, with higher content of hydrogen in their structures, the polyurea rubber-based aerogels will also provide inherently better radiation protection than those of inorganic and carbon aerogels. The aerogel materials also demonstrate good hydrophobicity due to their hydrocarbon molecular structure. There are several strategies to overcoming the drawbacks associated with the weakness and brittleness of silica aerogels. Development of the flexible fiber-reinforced silica aerogel composite blanket has proven to be one promising approach, providing a conveniently fielded form factor that is relatively robust in industrial environments compared to silica aerogel monoliths. However, the flexible, silica aerogel composites still have a brittle, dusty character that may be undesirable, or even intolerable, in certain application environments. Although the cross - linked organic aerogels, such as resorcinol- formaldehyde (RF), polyisocyanurate, and cellulose aerogels, show very high impact strength, they are also very brittle with little elongation (i.e., less rubbery). Also, silica and carbon aerogels are less efficient radiation shielding materials due to their lower content of hydrogen element. The invention involves mixing at least one isocyanate resin in solvent along with a specific amount of at least one polyamine hardener. The hardener is selected from a group of polyoxyalkyleneamines, amine-based polyols, or a mixture thereof. Mixing is performed in the presence of a catalyst and reinforcing inorganic and/or organic materials, and the system is then subjected to gelation, aging, and supercritical drying. The aerogels will offer exceptional flexibility, excellent thermal and physical properties, and good hydrophobicity. The rubbery polyurea-based aerogels are very flexible with no dust and hydrophobic organics that demonstrated the following ranges of typical properties: densities of 0.08 to 0.293 g/cu cm, shrinkage factor (raerogel/rtarget) = 1.6 to 2.84, and thermal conductivity values of 15.2 to 20.3 mW/m K.

Lee, Je Kyun↗

Accurate Prediction of Voltage of Battery Electrode Materials Using Attention-Based Graph Neural Networks

Performing first-principles calculations to discover electrodes’ properties in the large chemical space is a challenging task. While machine learning (ML) has been applied to effectively accelerate those discoveries, most of the applied methods ignore the materials’ spatial information and only use predefined features: based only on chemical compositions. Here, we propose two attention-based graph convolutional neural network techniques to learn the average voltage of electrodes. Our proposed methods, which combine both atomic composition and atomic coordinates in 3D-space, improve the accuracy in voltage prediction significantly when compared to composition-based ML models. The first model directly learns the chemical reaction of electrodes and metal ions to predict their average voltage, whereas the second model combines electrodes’ ML predicted formation energy (E form ) to compute their average voltage. Our E form -based model demonstrates improved accuracy in transferability from our subset of learned Li ions to Na ions. Moreover, we predicted the theoretical voltage of 10 Na x MPO 4 F (M = Ti, Cr, Fe, Cu, Mn, Co, and Ni) fluorophosphate battery frameworks, which are unavailable in the Material Project database. It could be shown that we can expect average voltages higher than 3.1 V from those Na battery frameworks except from the NaTiPO 4 F and TiPO 4 F pair of electrodes, which offer an average voltage of 1.32 V.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Recent advancements of plant-based natural fiber–reinforced composites and their applications

Demands for reducing energy consumption and environmental impacts are the major driving factors for the development of natural fiber–reinforced composites (NFRCs) in many sectors. Compared with synthesized fiber, natural fiber provides several advantages in terms of biodegradability, light weight, low price, life-cycle superiority, and satisfactory mechanical properties. However, the inherent features of plant-based natural fibers have presented challenges to the development and application of NFRCs, such as variable fiber quality, limited mechanical properties, water absorption, low thermal stability, incompatibility with hydrophobic matrices, and propensity to agglomeration. Substantial research has recently been conducted to address these challenges for improved performance of NFRCs and their applications. This article reviews the recent advancements of plant-based NFRCs, focusing on strategies and breakthroughs in enhancing the NFRCs’ performance, including fiber modification, fiber hybridization, lignocellulosic fillers incorporation, conventional processing techniques, additive manufacturing (3D printing), and new fiber source exploration. In conclusion, the sustainability of plant-based NFRCs using life-cycle assessment and the burgeoning applications of NFRCs with emphasis on the automotive industry are also discussed.

3D reinforcement↗

A Micromechanics-Based Damage Model for [+/- Theta/90n]s Composite Laminates

A new damage model based on a micromechanical analysis of cracked [+/- Theta/90n]s laminates subjected to multiaxial loads is proposed. The model predicts the onset and accumulation of transverse matrix cracks in uniformly stressed laminates, the effect of matrix cracks on the stiffness of the laminate, as well as the ultimate failure of the laminate. The model also accounts for the effect of the ply thickness on the ply strength. Predictions relating the elastic properties of several laminates and multiaxial loads are presented.

Mayugo, Joan-Andreu↗

Damage Detection in Rotorcraft Composite Structures Using Thermography and Laser-Based Ultrasound

New rotorcraft structural composite designs incorporate lower structural weight, reduced manufacturing complexity, and improved threat protection. These new structural concepts require nondestructive evaluation inspection technologies that can potentially be field-portable and able to inspect complex geometries for damage or structural defects. Two candidate technologies were considered: Thermography and Laser-Based Ultrasound (Laser UT). Thermography and Laser UT have the advantage of being non-contact inspection methods, with Thermography being a full-field imaging method and Laser UT a point scanning technique. These techniques were used to inspect composite samples that contained both embedded flaws and impact damage of various size and shape. Results showed that the inspection techniques were able to detect both embedded and impact damage with varying degrees of success.

Anastasi, Robert F.↗

Thermoelectric materials development

A systematic search for advanced thermoelectric materials was initiated at JPL several years ago to evaluate candidate materials which includes consideration of the following property attributes: (1) semiconducting properties; (2) large Seebeck coefficient; (3) high carrier mobility and high electrical conductivity; (4) low lattice thermal conductivity; and (5) chemical stability and low vapor pressure. Through this candidate screening process, JPL identified several families of materials as promising candidates for improved thermoelectric materials including the skutterudite family. As part of an ongoing effort to develop skutterudite materials with lower thermal conductivity values, several solid solutions and filled skutterudite materials were investigated under the effort sponsored by DOE. The efforts have primarily focused on: (1) study of existence and properties of solid solutions between the binary compounds CoSb3 and IrSb3, and RuSb2Te, and (2) CeFe(4-x)Sb12 based filled compositions. For the solid solutions, the lattice thermal conductivity reduction was expected to be reduced by the introduction of the Te and Ru atoms while in the case of CeFe(4-x)Ru(x)Sb12 based filled compositions. For the solid solutions, the lattice thermal conductivity reduction was expected to be reduced by the introduction of the Te and Ru atoms while in the case of CeFe(4-x)Ru(x)Sb12 filled compositions, the reduction would be caused by the rattling of Ce atoms located in the empty voids of the skutterudite structure and the substitution of Fe for Ru. The details of the sample preparation and characterization of their thermoelectric properties are reported in this report.

Fleurial, J. P.↗

Synthesis and Performance of 6FDA-Based Polyimide-Ionenes and Composites with Ionic Liquids as Gas Separation Membranes

Three new isomeric 6FDA-based polyimide-ionenes, with imidazolium moieties and varying regiochemistry (para-, meta-, and ortho- connectivity), and composites with three different ionic liquids (ILs) have been developed as gas separation membranes. The structural-property relationships and gas separation behaviors of the newly developed 6FDA polyimide-ionene + IL composites have been extensively studied. All the 6FDA-based polyimide-ionenes exhibited good compatibility with the ILs and produced homogeneous hybrid membranes with the high thermal stability of ~380 °C. Particularly, [6FDA I4A pXy][Tf2N] ionene + IL hybrids having [C4mim][Tf2N] and [Bnmim][Tf2N] ILs offered mechanically stable matrixes with high CO2 affinity. The permeability of CO2 was increased by factors of 2 and 3 for C4mim and Bnmim hybrids (2.15 to 6.32 barrers), respectively, compared to the neat [6FDA I4A pXy][Tf2N] without sacrificing their permselectivity for CO2/CH4 and CO2/N2 gas pairs.

Ionenes↗

Composition optimization of chromium carbide based solid lubricant coatings for foil gas bearings at temperatures to 650 C

A test program to determine the optimum composition of chromium carbide based solid lubricant coatings for compliant gas bearings is described. The friction and wear properties of the coatings are evaluated using a foil gas bearing test apparatus. The various coatings were prepared by powder blending, then plasma sprayed onto Inconel 718 test journals and diamond ground to the desired coating thickness and surface finish. The journals were operated against preoxidized nickel-chromium alloy foils. The test bearings were subjected to repeated start/stop cycles under a 14 kPa (2 psi) bearing unit load. The bearings were tested for 9000 start/stop cycles or until the specimen wear reached a predetermined failure level. In general, the addition of silver and eutectic to the chromium carbide base stock significantly reduced foil wear and increased journal coating wear. The optimum coating composition, PS212 (70 wt% metal bonded Cr3C2, 15 wt% Ag, 15% BaF2/CaF2 eutectic), reduced foil wear by a factor of two and displayed coating wear well within acceptable limits. The load capacity of the bearing using the plasma-sprayed coating prior to and after a run-in period was ascertained and compared to polished Inconel 718 specimens.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗

A Novel Multiscale Physics Based Progressive Failure Methodology for Laminated Composite Structures

A variable fidelity, multiscale, physics based finite element procedure for predicting progressive damage and failure of laminated continuous fiber reinforced composites is introduced. At every integration point in a finite element model, progressive damage is accounted for at the lamina-level using thermodynamically based Schapery Theory. Separate failure criteria are applied at either the global-scale or the microscale in two different FEM models. A micromechanics model, the Generalized Method of Cells, is used to evaluate failure criteria at the micro-level. The stress-strain behavior and observed failure mechanisms are compared with experimental results for both models.

Pineda, Evan J.↗

Parametric description of thermospheric ion composition results.

Results of an attempt to accumulate an ion composition data base for an international reference ionosphere (IRI) with the aid of polar-orbiting satellites. A progress report is presented on the preparation of the results from the Bennett RF ion spectrometer experiment on Ogo 4 and 6 using the most extensive set of thermospheric ion composition data yet available. An example of the pole-to-pole distributions of all ions detected by the spectrometer on Ogo 6 is given which shows considerable structure resulting from both altitude and latitude variations. Also, an example is given of the type of analysis made possible by the combined scope of the Ogo ion composition data base and the IRI statistical sorting routine.

Taylor, H. A., Jr.↗

Mechanics of intraply hybrid composites - Properties, analysis and design

A mechanics theory is developed for predicting the physical thermal, hygral and mechanical properties (including various strengths) of unidirectional intraply hybrid composites (UIHC) based on unidirectional properties of the constituent composites. Procedures are described which can use this theory in conjunction with composite mechanics computer codes and general purpose structural analysis finite element programs for the analysis/design of structural components made from intraply hybrid angleplied laminates (IHAL). Comparisons with limited data show that this theory predicts mechanical properties of UIHC and flexural stiffnesses of IHAL which are in good agreement with experimental data. The theory developed herein makes it possible to design and optimize structural components from IHAL based on a large class of available constituent fibers.

Chamis, C. C.↗

The effects of Cr, Co, Al, Mo and Ta on the cyclic oxidation behavior of a prototype cast Ni-base superalloy based on a 2(5) composite statistically designed experiment

A series of cast Ni-base superalloys were systematically varied at selected levels of Co, Cr, Mo, Ta, and Al. The elemental levels varied were Mo, 0 to 4 percent; Cr, 6 to 18 percent; Co, 0 to 20 percent, Ta, 0 to 8 percent; and Al, 3.25 to 6.25 percent. The cyclic oxidation resistance was determined from specific weight change data as a function of time for 1 hr cycles in static air at 1100 C. The significant terms in decreasing order of their importance were Al, Ta, Cr2, Al-Cr, Cr-Co, Co2, Al-Mo, Cr-Mo, Al-Al, and Mo-Ta. The Al term alone accounted for close to 82 percent of the explained variability. The estimating equation showed that the Al level was the most important and should be at its 6.25 wt % maximum value. The Mo and Ta levels should also be at their maximum 4 and 8 wt % respectively. The cobalt composition should be as low as possible, i.e., 0 wt%. The Cr level optimum varies depending on the other 4 levels. The X-ray diffaction results indicate the most protective scales are alumina/aluminate spinel stabilizized with a tri-rutile oxide high in Ta and Mo.

Barrett, C. A.↗

The bulk composition of the moon based on geophysical constraints

In order to test a broad range of models against the geophysical constraints, the chemical abundances suggested for the bulk moon are converted into mineralogical abundances for a layered moon and the resulting seismic and density profiles are found. The most important result of the considered investigation is that the Mg/Si ratio for the bulk moon must be less than that of the C1 chondrites and the values assumed in many compositional models. This result is completely independent of the assumed path of differentiation for the interior. It is found that the best fits to the seismic velocities can only be achieved for Al2O3 contents near the lower limit of 4.0 weight percent. The higher Al2O3 contents also necessitate extremely low Mg/Si ratios. Cores are required but amount to only 1-2 weight percent of the moon.

Buck, W. R.↗

Preparation Torque Limit for Composites Joined with Mechanical Fasteners

Current design guidelines for determining torque ranges for composites are based on tests and analysis from isotropic materials. Properties of composites are not taken into account. No design criteria based upon a systematic analytical and test analyses is available. This paper is to study the maximum torque load a composite component could carry prior to any failure. Specifically, the torque-tension tests are conducted. NDT techniques including acoustic emission, thermography and photomicroscopy are also utilized to characterize the damage modes.

Thomas, Frank P.↗

Mechanical and Thermal Forcing for Upslope Flows and Cumulus Convection over the Sierras de Córdoba

Abstract The upslope flow processes affecting the vertical extent of orographic cumulus convection are examined using observations from the Cloud, Aerosol, and Complex Terrain Interactions (CACTI) field campaign. Specifically, clear air returns from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) second-generation C-band scanning Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) precipitation radar (CSAPR2) are used to characterize the structure and variability of the ridge-normal (i.e., up/downslope) flow components, which transport mass to the crest of Argentina’s Sierras de Córdoba and contribute to convective initiation. Data are compiled for the entire CACTI period (October–April), including days with clear skies, shallow cumuli, cumulus congestus, and deep convection. To examine shared variability among >70 000 radar scans, we use (i) a principal component analysis (PCA) to isolate modes of variability in the upslope flow and (ii) composite analysis based on convective outcomes, determined from GOES-16 satellite observations. These data are contextualized with observed surface sensible heat fluxes, thermodynamic profiles, and synoptic-scale analysis. Results indicate distinct thermally and mechanically forced upslope flow modes, modulated by diurnal heating and synoptic-scale variations, respectively. In some instances, there is a superposition of thermal and mechanical forcing, yielding either deeper or shallower upslope flow. The composite analyses based on satellite data show that successively deeper convective outcomes are associated with successively deeper upslope flow layers that more readily transport mass to the ridge crest in conjunction with lower lifting condensation levels, facilitating convective initiation. These results help to isolate the forcing mechanisms for orographic convection and thus provide a foundation for parameterizing orographic convective processes in coarse resolution models.

Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences↗

High latitude ion composition

A data base comprised of all available ionosphere satellite ion composition measurements - the Goddard Comprehensive Ionosphere Data Base (GCID) - has been set upon optical disks for convenient merging and accessing of data from different satellites. This data has recentely been expanded to include all accessible satellite electron density and plasma temperature measurements. This paper demonstrates with a couple examples, the potential of GCID as an alternative to empirical models for undertanding ionsophere physics and chemistry. Through binning techniques GCID provdes a tool that complements and improves on the International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI) in delineating the topology of high latitude ion composition. GCID provides at a glance a measure of the local statistical variabilty of the ion compostions that is not in empirical models such as IRI. Furthermusing the data to determine the spatial and geophysical parameter range over which the minor ion species are approximately in chemical equilibrium, the number of data points available for empirical ion composition models can be increased by using the statiscally more reliable neutral and electron empirical models to derive ions composition. Currently available empirical models are not capable of adequately defining the comples high latitude distribution - a measure of the variablity is needed.

Grebowsky, J. M.↗

Use of LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) to Assess the Energy Absorption Performance of a Shell-Based Kevlar(TradeMark)/Epoxy Composite Honeycomb

The forward and vertical impact stability of a composite honeycomb Deployable Energy Absorber (DEA) was evaluated during a full-scale crash test of an MD-500 helicopter at NASA Langley?s Landing and Impact Research Facility. The lower skin of the helicopter was retrofitted with DEA components to protect the airframe subfloor upon impact and to mitigate loads transmitted to Anthropomorphic Test Device (ATD) occupants. To facilitate the design of the DEA for this test, an analytical study was conducted using LS-DYNA(Registered TradeMark) to evaluate the performance of a shell-based DEA incorporating different angular cell orientations as well as simultaneous vertical and forward impact conditions. By conducting this study, guidance was provided in obtaining an optimum design for the DEA that would dissipate the kinetic energy of the airframe while maintaining forward and vertical impact stability.

Polanco, Michael↗